Aficionado of Elvis films to lead class
In Memphis, the anniversary of Elvis Presley's death on Aug. 16, 1977, has transformed over the years from pilgrimage into a weeklong celebration of the King's life and career. In Chicago, Facets Multimedia, for nearly 35 years a bastion for film as an art form, is getting into the act with a midnight screening Aug. 8 of "Viva Las Vegas" as part of its Facets Night School cult and genre film series. Susan Doll, who has a doctorate in film from Northwestern University and is the author of "Elvis for Dummies" and several other books about Presley, will introduce the film with a crash course in "Elvis 101: How to Appreciate an Elvis Movie." In a phone interview, Doll talked about why "Viva Las Vegas" makes the grade.
Q Why "Viva Las Vegas?"
A My first choice was "King Creole," but it's summer, and I decided to show one of the musical comedies, something lighthearted. I think the music in this one is really cool. A lot of males come to Facets Night School, and I know that Ann-Margret will be just their ticket. She really matches Elvis shake for shake.
Q Where do you rank this movie in the Presley canon?
Q What will you be talking about before the film?
A The positive virtues of Elvis' movies. They're universally denigrated, but I'm hoping to redeem them to some degree. I know they're not Academy Award-winners, but until about 1964, they were extremely well-crafted by big-name Hollywood directors. ["Viva Las Vegas" director George Sidney also did "Showboat" and "Annie Get Your Gun."]
Q How can people best prepare for the screening?
A The best way would be not to read about Elvis but to watch Elvis. I would recommend (the documentary) "Elvis '56." All you have to do is see that footage of Perry Como from the same period, and it's no wonder Elvis knocked people's socks off. And watch one of his films from the '50s, like "Loving You," "King Creole" or "Jailhouse Rock."
Q Will there be a test afterward?
A No, but there will be a drawing and a giveaway.